Graduate Program Application

Scanned copies of official transcript will be used for the application review process (upload). If admitted Official Transcript must be submitted to the Graduate School before enrollment can take place.

Official GRE scores (University code is 6870-required before decision can be made)

Statement of Purpose (uploaded- if possible no longer than 2 pages)

Resume (uploaded)

3 Letters of Recommendation (emails must be listed on the online application)

Scanned copies of official transcript will be used for the application review process. Please upload the required documents that pertains to your University:

Transcript and Marksheets

Transcript and Translated Transcript

If admitted All of These Official Documents along with the Degree Certificate/Diploma must be submitted to the Graduate School in sealed/ stamped envelopes by the issuing university before enrollment can take place.

Official GRE scores (University code is 6870-required before decision can be made)

Official TOEFL scores (University code is 6870) or official IELTS scores (Required to be mailed directly from the testing agency to one of the Graduate School addresses below)

Statement of Purpose (uploaded- if possible no longer than 2 pages)

Resume (uploaded)

3 Letters of Recommendation (emails must be listed on the online application)

If admitted Official transcript(s) should be sent to one of the Graduate School addresses below. You will not be able to enroll without the official transcript(s) showing undergraduate degree awarded/conferred on file.

*International Applicants use this Country-Specific Guidelines link to find a list of what transcript materials you are required to have sent by post.

Application Status Notification

You will be notified by email when there is a change to your application status. Decisions are not released on a rolling basis; so there will be some delay before you hear from us.

Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply to for the MS or PhD programs?
The deadline to submit your Online Application is February 15 of each year for the upcoming Fall Term. Be advised that all required documents must be uploaded by this date.

Can I apply for the Spring semester to the MS or PhD programs?
No. The department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering only admits students for the Fall semester.

Can I apply for a PhD with only a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can apply to the PhD program with only a BS degree.

What criteria are used to admit students?
The Admissions Committee carefully studies the entire file, which includes all of the required items listed on the chemical engineering admission website, before reaching its decision.

Is There Financial Assistance?
All Qualified candidates who are accepted into our PhD program receive full financial assistance. No separate application is necessary for you to be considered for financial aid.

What is the minimum GPA needed to apply to the MS/PhD programs?
Applicants should have at least 3.0 out of 4. Accepted students typically are in the top 10% of their graduating class (3.35 or better out of 4 GPA).

What kind of GRE is needed for the program?
The General GRE Exam.

Typical GRE score?
Accepted students typically have combined Quantitative & Verbal scores of 315 (Typical Quantitative= 160) or better. However this does not guarantee admission, as admission is decided on the entire file.

Is there a minimum TOEFL score and do you accept IELTS?
Yes, as follows:
Internet Based — 79-80
IELTS Overall — 6.5
Paper Based Test — 550No exceptions are made for scores below these minimum scoresThe Chemical Engineering department does not accept Completion of UH Intensive English Program in place of TOEFL/IELTS.

Can GRE or TOEFL exam be waived?
The GRE is required by all interested applicants and TOEFL is required for all international applicants. For permanent resident applicants, the TOEFL exam is required; unless you have an undergraduate degree from an Accredited US institution.

What is the UH Institution Code for ETS to report GRE and TOEFL scores?
The School/Institutional code for the University of Houston is 6870.

What is the MChE program?
This is a part-time, non-thesis program and geared toward the working professional. International students on or needing F-1 VISA should not apply.

May I submit my credentials for an evaluation prior to actually applying?
The department does not provide preliminary evaluations of chances for admission.

Do I contact individual faculty for admittance?
No. All admission decisions are made by the Department Graduate Committee, not individual research faculty. We admit graduate students to the Chemical Engineering department as a whole.

Choosing a Research Advisor?
Students choose their advisor in the first semester. If you are admitted, faculty presentations are typically conducted in October. You will submit your choices by their rank-ordered first, second, and third choice. The department earnestly attempts to assign students to the advisor of their choice.

How many full-time students are admitted to the PhD program each year?
Typically 20-25 students are admitted.

Can MS students conduct research?
Our MS program is primarily course-based. Students having excelled in the first semester core courses may be able to conduct a research thesis in lieu of elective courses, provided they can find a suitable project and Chemical Engineering faculty member who is willing to serve as their advisor. Financial assistance would also not be provided in this case.

Does the Department admit Non-Engineering majors?
While we invite all interested applicants to apply. The background necessary from the math, science and engineering undergraduate academic preparations are essential.